Job Title: Permitting ManagerJob Description

The Permitting and Zoning Manager will lead all zoning, land-use, and permitting activities for retail and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) development projects across multiple jurisdictions. With 120 active sites nationwide, the role requires expertise in both public-sector planning and private-sector development, particularly within QSR or retail environments.

ResponsibilitiesLead all permitting, zoning, land-use, and entitlement efforts for ground-up developments, scrape-and-rebuild projects, renovations, and remodels.Evaluate zoning codes, land development regulations, and site constraints for highly dense and infill parcels, including one-acre or smaller sites.Serve as the primary point of contact with municipalities, planning departments, zoning boards, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and other regulatory agencies.Prepare, submit, and track rezoning applications, variances, special use permits, site plan approvals, building permits, and related approvals.Represent projects at planning commission meetings, zoning board hearings, and public meetings as required.Identify entitlement risks early and proactively develop strategies to keep projects on schedule.Maintain accurate tracking of permit status, conditions of approval, and compliance requirements.Essential SkillsBachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related discipline.Minimum of 7+ years of professional experience post-degree, specifically focused on permitting and zoning.Prior experience working within a municipal planning and zoning department, providing a strong understanding of public-sector processes and decision-making.Subsequent experience on the private-sector development side, ideally supporting a QSR, restaurant, or retail user.Demonstrated ability to take a highly dense one-acre (or smaller) parcel from concept through approvals.Additional Skills & QualificationsEnvironmental engineering, Compliance, Due Diligence, Permitting, Environmental compliance, Zoning, Mapping.Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating directly with municipalities, AHJs, and other government agencies.Experience with Procore, Asbestos zoning, Vendors, Smartsheet.Ability to self-manage, prioritize, and execute in a 100% remote work environment.Work Environment

This position is 100% remote and requires the candidate to reside in the Eastern or Central time zone. The role involves working within a global organization managing over 5,000 properties for iconic brands, offering the opportunity to lead property operations for a large geographic region, work cross-functionally with multiple departments, and tackle complex real estate challenges.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Syracuse, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.26 - $58.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 6, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.